Three things stuck out for me:
1- Competition is good. From the article, it wasn't clear to me exactly what Universal was going to win in 2002, but that aside, a little tough talk is good once in awhile. If Universal truly is prepared to back up this talk, let's hope Disney is still the champion who will refuse to be beaten, as opposed to the washed-up has-been. (WDW does have at least two new attractions coming that I can think of, Space and Philharmagic.)
2- Universal is much more forthcoming of information. Three new attractions, that, if I read this right, aren't even officially green-lighted yet? And the green-light depends on attendance being high enough for the first two quarters? Isn't this really the same strategy as the rumors we hear about AK? We hear that BK is on hold because attendance is too low. Essentially, Universal is saying the same thing, the green light on these attractions is on hold because they aren't sure about attendance. But Universal spins it differently, and put the info out to the public. I understand both strategies, but unless Disney gives up some info on any of the rumored additions/refurbs (BK, ToT, ST, etc), it will only fuel speculation that they are NOT developing much of anything. I guess that's not really a big deal as long as they actually are developing these or other things. It will all come out soon enough...
3- True, Universal will now be paying their entry-level workers 10 cents more per hour than Disney, but they were 35 cents lower before the move. I would think Disney would consider at least a small move, since they probably don't want the public to have the perception that they have the lowest paid workers. (I know I wouldn't if I were Disney...)